Wondering how to get into MBB after MBA? The first and foremost step would be to get into a strong consulting feeder school. Komal’s journey should give you an idea of how it works.
Her MBA story is impressive. She got into LBS with a Forte fellowship, completed a semester at Yale and graduated on the Dean’s list. She got internship offers from not one or two, but 3 top (including 2 MBB) consulting firms.
How I got into MBB after MBA
From corporate banking to London Business School to BCG
by Komal Poddar
I didn’t grow up in one place, or with one way of thinking around me. Boarding school became home at a young age – an environment where traditions, languages, and perspectives constantly collided.
At first, it was disorienting. But over time, that ever-changing mix taught me how to find comfort in discomfort, and connection in difference. I didn’t realise it then, but those early years were quietly shaping how I’d make choices later in life – especially the ones that took me far from home in pursuit of growth, challenge, and something more.
When it came time to decide on university, I focused on the UK as it offered both strong academic foundations and familiarity without being limiting. I applied to five universities through UCAS. While I didn’t spend weeks perfecting my personal statement, I tried to be honest – writing about why economics fascinated me, why the UK made sense, and what I hoped to bring to the schools.
Warwick stood out not just for its strong economics program, but for its warm, collegiate atmosphere. It felt grounded and ambitious at the same time.
At Warwick, banking was a well-trodden path. By the first few weeks of first year, many students were already preparing for “spring weeks” – short programs designed to introduce students to investment banking early on. I didn’t get one.
At the time, it stung. But in hindsight, that experience quietly built my resilience. I kept going, kept applying, and eventually landed a summer internship with Lloyds Banking Group in second year. It was a good fit.
The interview process focused more on cultural alignment than polish, and I appreciated that. That internship led to a full-time role, where I spent five years rotating across risk, product management, relationship management, and finally, strategy. I saw how different parts of a bank came together, and how decisions were made from both a client and organisational lens.
But over time, I began to feel a pull for something more. I enjoyed what I was doing, but I wanted to broaden my perspective, step out of the familiar, and challenge myself in new ways. That’s when the MBA started to feel like the right next step. Not as an escape, but as a way to reset, learn, and intentionally chart my next chapter.
GMAT and MBA Applications
The GMAT was a project in itself. I gave it the structure it deserved, balancing prep with work. My first score was solid, but I felt I had more in me. Retaking it gave me a chance to prove that to myself – and I ended up with a 740. More than anything, the second attempt gave me clarity and confidence, which stayed with me throughout the applications.
I applied to LBS, Oxford, and Cambridge. I was fortunate to receive offers from all three, along with scholarships from both LBS and Cambridge. Choosing between them wasn’t easy.
But LBS stood out for a few reasons: its location in London, the truly global cohort, and the two-year format, which gave me more time to explore career paths without rushing into decisions. It felt like the right environment to stretch myself.
Key advice for applicants: Plan your timeline well in advance – give yourself enough space for at least one retake if needed. Also, cast a wide but intentional net. Don’t limit yourself to just one dream school; explore options thoughtfully and be open to what fits best for your personal and professional goals.
Life at LBS
Joining LBS, I wasn’t sure how easily I’d find my footing. Even with prior international exposure, it was still a new context with new people – and I wondered how quickly I’d feel part of it.
But LBS is designed around community. With about 500 students in each intake and smaller streams of 75–80, it doesn’t take long to form meaningful connections. The culture is welcoming, collaborative, and grounded in shared ambition.
What stood out most was how student-led everything was. From clubs and conferences to career prep, everything runs on student initiative. I took on part-time roles with both the Wheeler Institute and the Career Centre, supporting a start-up in India on the one hand and consulting recruitment prep for master’s students on the other. These weren’t just add-ons – they gave me a chance to give back and stay plugged into the rhythm of the school in a more meaningful way.
The application process at LBS had already taught me a lot – it forced me to reflect deeply on my motivations and where I wanted to go. Essays, a video interview, and an alumni-led case interview each played a role in helping me define my story.
For incoming students, I’d say: don’t try to have every answer. But do take the time to ask yourself the right questions. What matters to you? What are you hoping to find – and what are you ready to give?
Recruitment and Consulting
Consulting recruitment begins early. Firms start hosting presentations within weeks of the program starting, and case prep intensifies through November and December. It’s a structured process, and it can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
I applied to firms in both the UK and the Middle East. The strategy was intentional – the Middle East aligned more closely with my long-term goal of being based nearer to India, and I wanted to keep that option open.
I was fortunate to receive early offers from McKinsey, Accenture, and BCG. Each had its strengths, but BCG’s offer from the Middle East felt like the right choice. It wasn’t just about brand – it was about personal fit. The other offers were based in the UK and were very compelling too.
Key advice for applicants: Start early. Work on your CV and cover letters before things get busy. And take the time to build genuine connections – not just for networking, but to learn what roles and organisations truly fit you.
Post-MBA Life at BCG
Joining BCG brought its own learning curve. The frameworks and concepts from the MBA helped, of course – but what stood out even more were the softer skills: navigating ambiguity, communicating clearly under pressure, and working across different teams and cultures. These were things I had started developing at LBS, and they’ve made a real difference in consulting.
What surprised me most was how dynamic the work remains. Even after securing the role, you’re constantly pitching for new projects, shaping your learning, and adapting to new industries. It keeps you on your toes – but it also keeps things exciting.
Outside of work, I’ve made an effort to explore the region and settle into life here. The LBS alumni network has been a support system, both professionally and personally, and that sense of community has continued beyond graduation.
Advice for MBA applicants
If you’re considering an MBA, my advice is: take your time. Know your “why.” You don’t need to have your path fully figured out, but you do need to be intentional.
The MBA is a platform – but it’s up to you to shape what you build on it.
Need help with your MBA applications? Drop an email to: info@mbacrystalball.com
– Life as a London Business School MBA student and alumna
– Facts about LBS
– What does LBS look for in their applicants?
